A Comprehensive Comparison of Open-Bay and Single-Family-Room Neonatal Intensive Care Units at Sanford Children's Hospital

Objective: This paper summarizes the results of a comprehensive comparison of open-bay (OPBY) and single-family-room (SFR) neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) designs. Background: The NICU expanded from 7000 ft(2) in two large rooms to 27,000 ft(2) with 45 individual family spaces. Results: Sound measurements indicated a significant reduction in the unoccupied SFR to less than half of the levels in the OPBY NICU. However, respiratory support equipment generated levels well above those of the ambient environment. Illumination was significantly reduced in the SFR. Ambient illumination in nursing work areas was less than recommended. In other comparisons with the OPBY NICU the SFR NICU was shown to have: a shorter interval until full enteric feedings were established; improved parent satisfaction; improved staff perceptions of the environment and care; a decrease in nurses State-Trait Anxiety scores; an increased need for total numbers of staff and nursing staff per shift; increased walking per shift by nurses and nurse practitioners; and improved sleep time in a very small sample of patients. Analysis of the cost of construction showed comparable cost per ft(2); however, the cost per bed in the SFR NICU was much greater because of the increased area of this facility. Highly notable findings of this investigation included the same incidence of adverse outcomes of care and a reduction in the adjusted direct cost of care in the SFR NICU. Conclusion: These data overwhelmingly support the SFR NICU in preference to the traditional OPBY facility. They substantiate that the SFR NICU should be the new standard for NICU care.